Trump lashes out at Puerto Rico as House passes aid package

Updated 12:48 pm, Friday, October 13, 2017

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

Photo: File/Twitter

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A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

Photo: File/Twitter

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A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Oct. 12, 2017.

Photo: File/Twitter

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FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 file photo, destroyed communities are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. The House is on track to backing President Donald Trump's request for billions more in disaster aid, $16 billion to pay flood insurance claims and emergency funding to help the cash-strapped government of Puerto Rico stay afloat. The hurricane aid package Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, totals $36.5 billion and sticks close to a White House request, ignoring - for now - huge demands from the powerful Florida and Texas delegations, who together pressed for some $40 billion more. less

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 file photo, destroyed communities are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. The House is on track to backing President Donald Trump's request ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert, AP

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A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered populace.

A screenshot of U.S. President Donald Trump's tweets on Puerto Rico following the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Critics have blasted Trump's and the federal government's response to the island's beleaguered

President Donald Trump waves as he carries an umbrella walking on the tarmac to his limousine at Harrisburg International Airport, Wednesday Oct. 11, 2017, in Middletown, Pa.

President Donald Trump waves as he carries an umbrella walking on the tarmac to his limousine at Harrisburg International Airport, Wednesday Oct. 11, 2017, in Middletown, Pa.

Photo: Alex Brandon, AP

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FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 file photo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., speaks during a news conference after the passage of a sweeping $1.2 trillion spending bill to fund the government, at the Capitol in Washington. The House is on track to backing President Donald Trump's request for billions more in disaster aid, $16 billion to pay flood insurance claims and emergency funding to help the cash-strapped government of Puerto Rico stay afloat. Ryan is traveling to Puerto Rico on Friday, Oct. 13, 2017. less

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017 file photo, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., speaks during a news conference after the passage of a sweeping $1.2 trillion spending bill to fund the government, at ... more

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite, AP

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Neighbors sit on a couch outside their destroyed homes as sun sets in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. Governor Ricardo Rossello and Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez, the islandâs representative in Congress, have said they intend to seek more than a billion in federal assistance and they have praised the response to the disaster by President Donald Trump, who plans to visit Puerto Rico next week, as well as FEMA Administrator Brock Long. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

This aerial photo shows boats washed ashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, east of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been concentrated largely in San Juan, and many outside the capital say they've received little or no help. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

This aerial photo shows boats washed ashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, east of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been

Juana Matos resident Hector Rosa walks through a flooded area after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Since the devastating impact of said hurricane, the supply line of goods in general was interrupted in the US territory, causing endless rows in gas stations and comercial centers. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Juana Matos resident Hector Rosa walks through a flooded area after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Wednesday, September 27, 2017. Since the devastating impact of said hurricane, the supply line

Jonathan Aponte walks with a gas can up the road to his home, past damage from Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jonathan Aponte walks with a gas can up the road to his home, past damage from Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP

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Jose Trinidad collects his horse, which survived Hurricane Maria, as he walks down to his destroyed home, in Montebello, Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of the hurricane, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jose Trinidad collects his horse, which survived Hurricane Maria, as he walks down to his destroyed home, in Montebello, Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of the hurricane, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald

A container ship is seen docked at the port of San Juan as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island without power or cell service. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A container ship is seen docked at the port of San Juan as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with

A house damaged by Hurricane Maria stands in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been concentrated largely in San Juan, and many outside the capital say they've received little or no help. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

A house damaged by Hurricane Maria stands in Naranjito, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been concentrated largely in San Juan, and many

Millie Fernandez embraces Estevalier Olivieri after arriving in West Palm Beach, Fla., from Puerto Rico on Tuesday, Sep. 26, 2017. The Eagles Wings Foundation led a mission that transported elderly nursing home patients and some family members to safety after Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. With power out across nearly the entire island, families were anxious in particular to get out elderly and other vulnerable relatives amid concerns about access to food and fresh water. (Calla Kessler/Palm Beach Post via AP)

Juan Rojas, right, of Queens, hugs his 4-year-old grandson Elias Rojas, as his daughter-in-law Cori Rojas, left, carries her daughter Lilly, 3, through the terminal at JFK airport after Cori arrived on a flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, in New York. Cori Rojas, who is a school teacher in Puerto Rico, fled Puerto Rico with her children after Hurricane Maria left the island devastated and will stay with her in-laws in Queens while her husband, who works for a global insurance firm chose to stay behind. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Juan Rojas, right, of Queens, hugs his 4-year-old grandson Elias Rojas, as his daughter-in-law Cori Rojas, left, carries her daughter Lilly, 3, through the terminal at JFK airport after Cori arrived on a flight

People sit on both sides of a destroyed bridge that crossed over the San Lorenzo de Morovis river, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone from the federal or Puerto Rican government. But the scope of the devastation is so broad, and the relief effort so concentrated in San Juan, that many people from outside the capital say they have received little to no help. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

People sit on both sides of a destroyed bridge that crossed over the San Lorenzo de Morovis river, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the

Women help each other onto the river bank after wading across the Rio St. Lorenzo de Morovis, after the bridge traversing the river was washed away by Hurricane Maria, in the aftermath of the storm in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone from the federal or Puerto Rican government. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Women help each other onto the river bank after wading across the Rio St. Lorenzo de Morovis, after the bridge traversing the river was washed away by Hurricane Maria, in the aftermath of the storm in Morovis,

A man with gas cans walks past a long line of cars as people queue up to buy gas in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone from the federal or Puerto Rican government. But the scope of the devastation is so broad, and the relief effort so concentrated in San Juan, that many people from outside the capital say they have received little to no help. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

A man with gas cans walks past a long line of cars as people queue up to buy gas in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Morovis, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many

A resident salvages a steel panel from a flooded area in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Catano, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone from the federal or Puerto Rican government. But the scope of the devastation is so broad, and the relief effort so concentrated in San Juan, that many people from outside the capital say they have received little to no help. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

A resident salvages a steel panel from a flooded area in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Catano, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help

Hector Rosa wades through a flooded area in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Catano, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone from the federal or Puerto Rican government. But the scope of the devastation is so broad, and the relief effort so concentrated in San Juan, that many people from outside the capital say they have received little to no help. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)

Hector Rosa wades through a flooded area in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Catano, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. A week since the passing of Maria many are still waiting for help from anyone

Aircraft damaged in the passing of Hurricane Maria are scattered along the runway at the airport in Vieques, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been concentrated largely in San Juan, and many outside the capital say they've received little or no help. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Aircraft damaged in the passing of Hurricane Maria are scattered along the runway at the airport in Vieques, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2017. The relief effort from Maria in Puerto Rico has so far been

Down trees rest on tombs at the cemetery of Lares after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. Gov. Governor Ricardo Rossello and Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez, the islandâs representative in Congress, have said they intend to seek more than a billion in federal assistance and they have praised the response to the disaster by President Donald Trump, who plans to visit Puerto Rico next week, as well as FEMA Administrator Brock Long. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

Down trees rest on tombs at the cemetery of Lares after the passing of Hurricane Maria, in Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. Gov. Governor Ricardo Rossello and Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez, the

Evan Mandino, right, sits with neighbors on a couch outside their destroyed homes as sun sets in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017. Governor Ricardo Rossello and Resident Commissioner Jennifer Gonzalez, the islandâs representative in Congress, have said they intend to seek more than a billion in federal assistance and they have praised the response to the disaster by President Donald Trump, who plans to visit Puerto Rico next week, as well as FEMA Administrator Brock Long. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

People use their cell phones at night in one of the few places with cell signal in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 25, 2017, where a 7pm-6am curfew has been imposed following impact of Hurricane Maria on the island.

People use their cell phones at night in one of the few places with cell signal in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 25, 2017, where a 7pm-6am curfew has been imposed following impact of Hurricane Maria on

Two people sit in an apartment with a wall missing along the waterfront in San Juan. Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of food, water, gas, and money from banks. Much of the damage done was to electrical wires, fallen trees, and flattened vegetation, in addition to home wooden roofs torn off.

Two people sit in an apartment with a wall missing along the waterfront in San Juan. Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of

Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of food, water, gas, and money from banks. Much of the damage done was to electrical wires, fallen trees, and flattened vegetation, in addition to home wooden roofs torn off.

Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of food, water, gas, and money from banks. Much of the damage done was to electrical

Wilfredo Cruz and Soraida Sierra family house was destroyed by hurricane Maria. The mountain town of Morovis, in the south west of San Juan, is one of the most affected after the pass of Hurricane MarÃ­a. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory.

Wilfredo Cruz and Soraida Sierra family house was destroyed by hurricane Maria. The mountain town of Morovis, in the south west of San Juan, is one of the most affected after the pass of Hurricane MarÃ­a.

People carry water in bottles retrieved from a canal due to lack of water following passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, on September 25, 2017. The US island territory, working without electricity, is struggling to dig out and clean up from its disastrous brush with the hurricane, blamed for at least 33 deaths across the Caribbean.

People carry water in bottles retrieved from a canal due to lack of water following passage of Hurricane Maria, in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, on September 25, 2017. The US island territory, working without

Just one example of the devastation caused by hurricane Maria. Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of food, water, gas, and money from banks. Much of the damage done was to electrical wires, fallen trees, and flattened vegetation, in addition to home wooden roofs torn off.

Just one example of the devastation caused by hurricane Maria. Nearly one week after hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, residents are still trying to get the basics of food, water, gas, and

A damaged home is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in Levittown, Puerto Rico. Maria inflicted widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island left without power or cell service.

A damaged home is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in Levittown, Puerto Rico. Maria inflicted widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island

Overflow from the damaged Guajataka River Dam is seen in San Sebastian, in the west of Puerto Rico, on September 23, 2017 following passage of Hurricane Maria, prompting the government to issue an order for 70,000 people in downstream towns to evacuate. Authorities in Puerto Rico rushed to evacuate tens of thousands of people living downriver from a dam said to be in danger of collapsing because of flooding from Hurricane Maria.

Overflow from the damaged Guajataka River Dam is seen in San Sebastian, in the west of Puerto Rico, on September 23, 2017 following passage of Hurricane Maria, prompting the government to issue an order for

A flooded street is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island without power or cell service.

A flooded street is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island

A damaged home is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in Corozal, Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island without power or cell service.

A damaged home is seen as people deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria on September 25, 2017 in Corozal, Puerto Rico. Maria left widespread damage across Puerto Rico, with virtually the whole island

People walk across a flooded street in Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 as the country faced dangerous flooding and an island-wide power outage following Hurricane Maria.

People walk across a flooded street in Juana Matos, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 as the country faced dangerous flooding and an island-wide power outage following Hurricane Maria.

Photo: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images

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An airplane themed restaurant is seen damaged by mudslides and winds in Barranquitas, southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017 following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Authorities in Puerto Rico rushed on September 23, 2017 to evacuate people living downriver from a dam said to be in danger of collapsing because of flooding from Hurricane Maria.

An airplane themed restaurant is seen damaged by mudslides and winds in Barranquitas, southwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017 following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Authorities in Puerto

People wait in a line to buy gas after the passage of Hurricane Maria in Arecibo, northwestern Puerto Rico, on September 23, 2017. Comunications, electric power, water supply and the lack of gas have been seriously affected after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called Maria the most devastating storm in a century after it destroyed the US territory's electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.

People wait in a line to buy gas after the passage of Hurricane Maria in Arecibo, northwestern Puerto Rico, on September 23, 2017. Comunications, electric power, water supply and the lack of gas have been

People collect water from a natural spring created by the landslides in a mountain next to a road in Corozal, west of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017 following the passage of Hurricane Maria. Authorities in Puerto Rico rushed on September 23, 2017 to evacuate people living downriver from a dam said to be in danger of collapsing because of flooding from Hurricane Maria.

People collect water from a natural spring created by the landslides in a mountain next to a road in Corozal, west of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24, 2017 following the passage of Hurricane Maria.

San Juan is seen the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on September 21, 2017. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan and many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

San Juan is seen the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on September 21, 2017. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan and many are left without running water or cell phone

Trees block the streets after Hurricane Maria at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. (Photo by Pablo Pantoja/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Trees block the streets after Hurricane Maria at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. (Photo by Pablo Pantoja/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the Governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or

Damaged homes in the La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the Governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

Damaged homes in the La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left

A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the Governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or

Damage is seen at Plaza de Colon in Old San Juan the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

Damage is seen at Plaza de Colon in Old San Juan the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left

Residents begin to clean up the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 21, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

Residents begin to clean up the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall, on September 21, 2017 in San Juan Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water

The La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

The La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water

Damaged homes in the La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

Damaged homes in the La Perla neighborhood the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left

A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or cell phone service, and the governor said Maria is the "most devastating storm to hit the island this century." (Photo by Alex Wroblewski/Getty Images)

A damaged gas station the day after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 21, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The majority of the island has lost power, in San Juan many are left without running water or

People are seen on the roof of a house(L-down) along with a destroyed roof of a school in Rio Piedras area, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

People are seen on the roof of a house(L-down) along with a destroyed roof of a school in Rio Piedras area, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash

A tree blocks a street in Guaynabo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

A tree blocks a street in Guaynabo in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which

Picture of trees knocked down by strongs winds of Hurricane Maria in Punta Cana, in the eastermost tip of the Dominican Republic as the hurricane passes just north of the La Espanola island the country shares with Haiti, on September 21, 2017. After cutting a devastating path across Puerto Rico, the now Category Three storm, packing 115 mile (185 kilometre) per hour winds, is passing north of the Dominican Republic as it moves toward the Turks and Caicos Islands, according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

Picture of trees knocked down by strongs winds of Hurricane Maria in Punta Cana, in the eastermost tip of the Dominican Republic as the hurricane passes just north of the La Espanola island the country shares

A destroyed shack is seen in the Rio Piedras area, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

A destroyed shack is seen in the Rio Piedras area, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane

Flooded streets are seen in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

Flooded streets are seen in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by

Flooded streets are seen in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

Flooded streets are seen in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017 after the passage of Hurricane Maria. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by

A tree blocks a street in Santurce, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which devastated the island and knocked out the entire electricity grid. The hurricane, which Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello called "the most devastating storm in a century," had battered the island of 3.4 million people after roaring ashore early Wednesday with deadly winds and heavy rain.

A tree blocks a street in Santurce, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 21, 2017. Puerto Rico braced for potentially calamitous flash flooding on Thursday after being pummeled by Hurricane Maria which

Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. San Juan September 20, 2017.

Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. San Juan September 20, 2017.

Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images

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Fishing boats with severe damage at Club Nautico in the San Juan Bay. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. San Juan September 20, 2017.

Fishing boats with severe damage at Club Nautico in the San Juan Bay. Hurricane Maria passed through Puerto Rico leaving behind a path of destruction across the national territory. San Juan September 20, 2017.

Photo: The Washington Post/The Washington Post/Getty Images

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A boy plays in flood waters after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

A boy plays in flood waters after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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Trees block the streets after Hurricane Maria at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Trees block the streets after Hurricane Maria at Escambron Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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Two people walk in front of a damaged food truck in Ashford Avenue after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Two people walk in front of a damaged food truck in Ashford Avenue after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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Plaza Colon is covered in fallen trees after Hurricane Maria at Old San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Plaza Colon is covered in fallen trees after Hurricane Maria at Old San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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A palm tree is balanced on fallen power lines after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

A palm tree is balanced on fallen power lines after Hurricane Maria at Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

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A tree is uprooted in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.

A tree is uprooted in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone

Fallen trees surround a car in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.

Fallen trees surround a car in the Miramar neighborhood after Hurricane Maria made landfall on September 20, 2017 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity

A man loads truck with debris after Hurricane Maria at Muñoz Rivera Street in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. n

A man loads truck with debris after Hurricane Maria at Muñoz Rivera Street in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. n

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A thick tree damaged a concrete fence after Hurricane Maria at Ponce de Leon Street in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

A thick tree damaged a concrete fence after Hurricane Maria at Ponce de Leon Street in San Juan, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.

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Isidro clears his yard of debris left by the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as terrified residents hunkered down in the face of the island's worst storm in living memory. After leaving a deadly trail of destruction on a string of smaller Caribbean islands, Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico's southeast coast around daybreak, packing winds of around 150mph.

Isidro clears his yard of debris left by the passage of Hurricane Maria, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017. Maria slammed into Puerto Rico on, cutting power on most of the US territory as

Downed power line poles are seen as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.

Downed power line poles are seen as Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico in Fajardo, on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people

A damaged sail boat washed ashore is seen after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.

A damaged sail boat washed ashore is seen after the area was hit by Hurricane Maria in Fajardo, Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico, pummeling the US territory after already

Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria slammed into Puerto Rico's southeast coast at daybreak before churning across the US territory which is home to 3.4 million.

Members of the military help remove damaged boats after the passage of hurricane Irma and Maria in Orient Bay, St. Martin, on September 20, 2017. After killing at least nine people in the Caribbean, Maria

Librada is seen at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum refuge in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2017, prior the arrival of Hurricane Maria. She left voluntarily of her house to take refuge. Maria headed towards the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after battering the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, with the US National Hurricane Center warning of a "potentially catastrophic" impact.

Librada is seen at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum refuge in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 19, 2017, prior the arrival of Hurricane Maria. She left voluntarily of her house to take refuge. Maria headed

Trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday, pummeling the US territory after already killing at least two people on its passage through the Caribbean. The US National Hurricane Center warned of "large and destructive waves" as Maria came ashore near Yabucoa on the southeast coast.

Trees are toppled in a parking lot at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 20, 2017, during the passage of the Hurricane Maria. Maria made landfall on Puerto Rico on Wednesday,

A view from the Sheraton Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico, where people are waiting out hurricane Maria on the second floor, some with their pets.

A view from the Sheraton Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico, where people are waiting out hurricane Maria on the second floor, some with their pets.

Photo: Carolyn Cole/LA Times Via Getty Images

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The dining room of the Ciqala hotel suffered damage as Hurricane Maria bears down on Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017 in San Juan. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone lines have been severely effected.

The dining room of the Ciqala hotel suffered damage as Hurricane Maria bears down on Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017 in San Juan. Thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters, and electricity and phone

Palm trees lie in the water in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, on September 7, 2017. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, the rare Category 5 hurricane churned westward off the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday on a potential collision course with south Florida, where at-risk areas were evacuated.

Palm trees lie in the water in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, on September 7, 2017. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, the rare Category 5 hurricane churned westward

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump lashed out at hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico on Thursday, insisting in tweets that the federal government can't keep sending help "forever" and suggesting the U.S. territory was to blame for its financial struggles.

His broadsides triggered an outcry from Democrats in Washington and officials on the island, which has been reeling since Hurricane Maria struck three weeks ago, leaving death and destruction in an unparalleled humanitarian crisis.

San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz, with whom Trump has had a running war of words, tweeted that the president's comments were "unbecoming" to a commander in chief and "seem more to come from a 'Hater in Chief.'"

"Mr. President, you seem to want to disregard the moral imperative that your administration has been unable to fulfill," the mayor said in a statement.

The debate played out as the House passed, on a sweeping 353-69 vote, a $36.5 billion disaster aid package that includes assistance for Puerto Rico's financially-strapped government. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said the government needs to ensure that Puerto Rico can "begin to stand on its own two feet" and said the U.S. has "got to do more to help Puerto Rico rebuild its own economy."

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the House action Thursday night and promised the administration "will continue to work with Congress to provide the resources necessary to recover and rebuild from the hurricanes" and the wildfires in California.

Forty-five deaths in Puerto Rico have been blamed on Maria, about 85 percent of Puerto Rico residents still lack electricity and the government says it hopes to have electricity restored completely by March.

Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence visited the island last week to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the island's recovery. But Trump's tweets Thursday raised questions about whether the U.S. would remain there for the long haul. He tweeted, "We cannot keep FEMA, the Military & the First Responders, who have been amazing (under the most difficult circumstances) in P.R. forever!"

In a series of tweets, the president added, "electric and all infrastructure was disaster before hurricanes." He blamed Puerto Rico for its looming financial crisis and "a total lack of accountability."

The tweets conflicted with Trump's past statements on Puerto Rico. During an event last week honoring the heritage of Hispanics, for example, the president said, "We will be there all the time to help Puerto Rico recover, restore, rebuild."

White House chief of staff John Kelly, speaking to reporters, said the military and other emergency responders were trying very hard to "work themselves out of a job." Reassuring the island, Kelly said the U.S. will "stand with those American citizens in Puerto Rico until the job is done."

At the Pentagon, Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. told reporters "there's still plenty of work to be done" by the military troops in Puerto Rico. He said there was no current plan to withdraw troops who are supporting FEMA's recovery efforts. McKenzie, director of the military's Joint Staff, said it will be up to FEMA and other civilian agencies to decide when the military is no longer needed there.

Democrats said Trump's tweets were deplorable, given that the 3 million-plus U.S. citizens on Puerto Rico are confronting the kind of hardships that would draw howls of outrage if they affected a state. One-third of the island lacks clean running water and just 8 percent of its roads are passable, according to government statistics.

"It is shameful that President Trump is threatening to abandon these Americans when they most need the federal government's help," said Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the second-ranking House Democrat.

After years of economic challenges, Puerto Rico was already in the process of restructuring much of its $74 billion in debt before the hurricane struck. The financial situation is more complicated than Trump's tweets suggest.

Puerto Rico lost population and jobs after Congress eliminated special tax breaks in 2006, making it more difficult to repay its debts. Yet lenders continued to extend credit to Puerto Rico despite its economic struggles, while pension costs strained Puerto Rico's government and its infrastructure deteriorated.

The legislative aid package totals $36.5 billion and sticks close to a White House request. For now, it ignores huge demands from the powerful Florida and Texas delegations, which together pressed for some $40 billion more.

A steady series of disasters could put 2017 on track to rival Hurricane Katrina and other 2005 storms as the most costly set of disasters ever. Katrina required about $110 billion in emergency appropriations.

The bill combines $18.7 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency with $16 billion to permit the financially troubled federal flood insurance program pay an influx of Harvey-related claims. An additional $577 million would pay for western firefighting efforts.

Up to $5 billion of the FEMA money could be used to help local governments remain functional as they endure unsustainable cash shortfalls in the aftermath of Maria, which has choked off revenues and strained resources.

Ryan, the House speaker, planned to visit Puerto Rico on Friday. He has promised that the island will get what it needs.

"It's not easy when you're used to living in an American way of life, and then somebody tells you that you're going to be without power for six or eight months," said Resident Commissioner Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, who represents Puerto Rico as a nonvoting member of Congress. "It's not easy when you are continue to suffer — see the suffering of the people without food, without water, and actually living in a humanitarian crisis."

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Associated Press writers Josh Boak and Robert Burns contributed to this report.